Abstract

In the laboratory, the longevity and fecundity of female Zeiraphera canadensis Mut. & Free. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) given access to a 10% sucrose solution and water was greater than that of females provided only water. The presence or absence of sucrose did not affect oviposition rate during the first 10 days post-emergence, after which most females denied sucrose died. The enhanced fecundity of sucrose-fed females was due to their increased longevity and, hence, longer oviposition period. Greater longevity, combined with a decrease in oviposition rate and egg viability with age, resulted in a lower average lifetime oviposition rate and percentage viable egg production for females provided sucrose. Although carbohydrate ingestion resulted in increased fecundity and longevity in the laboratory, its effect in nature may be minimal because Z. canadensis usually does not live more than 10 days under field conditions.